The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size

Looking for the perfect storage unit but unsure what size you actually need? We get it — estimating how much space your stuff will take up can be confusing. However, by following the tips shared in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to calculating the right storage unit size for your needs.

Join us as we walk you through handy tips and tricks to help you visualise just how much your furniture, boxes, and other belongings will fit into different square footage options.

Choosing the right size storage unit can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. The exact size you need depends on how much stuff you have to store. The first step is to think about what you want to keep in storage and estimate how much space it will take up. Then, choose a unit at least 20–30% larger than your estimate to give yourself some wiggle room. We will give some examples below, starting from a studio apartment.

If you’re moving out of a small space like a studio or one-bedroom apartment, a 10 foot shipping container should suit your needs. This will hold furnishings for a living room, bedroom, and small kitchen, with some space left over for boxes.
For example, you could fit:

• A sofa, loveseat, chair and coffee table
• A double or queen bed frame and mattress
• A small dresser and nightstand
• Kitchen table and chairs
• Several boxes of books, linens, and other belongings

Moving from a two-bedroom house? A 20 foot shipping container is a good place to start. This size will hold furnishings and belongings from a typical house.

For instance, you could store:

• Living room items like sofa, loveseat, recliner, end tables, and lamps
• Dining room properties like a table, chairs, a hutch or buffet, etc
• Bedroom furniture like double or queen beds, dressers, nightstands
• Boxes of clothing, linens, books, small appliances, and decor

If you need to store a vehicle like a car, small truck, boat or RV, get at least a 10x20 unit. Larger vehicles may require bigger units. Whatever your need is, we offer hardstand storage spaces that will keep your vehicle safe from the elements.

We hope this helps you choose the right size storage unit for your needs. If you have any other questions about our storage options or prices, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help you find a solution that fits your budget and storage requirements. In the following sections, we’ll cover some ideas on what you can store in different storage unit sizes.

Are you planning to rent a 10 foot shipping container for storage, but aren’t sure how much you can actually fit in one? No worries, we’re here to help. A 10 foot shipping container, which is over 3 metres long, can hold quite a bit.

These include:

1. Furniture

You can store small furniture items like chairs, coffee tables, side tables, and mattresses. A small sofa may even fit if you place it on its end. These units typically have 2.4m ceilings, providing about 15.8 cubic metres of space, so you have room for some larger items.

2. Office and Equipment

A 10 foot shipping container is a great size for storing office supplies, equipment and files. You can fit desks, bookcases, file cabinets and boxes of paperwork. It’s also suitable for storing hobby equipment like art supplies, sports gear, or tools.

3. Household Goods

You’d be surprised how many household goods can fit in a 10 foot shipping container. You can store kitchenware like small appliances, pots, and pans. In addition, linens like towels, sheets and blankets are easy to pack in boxes. Decor items such as lamps, art, mirrors, rugs and baskets will also fit nicely.

Other items that would work well in a 10 foot shipping container storage unit include:

• Suitcases and luggage
• Seasonal clothing like winter coats, boots, and jackets
• Books, CDs, DVDs and other media
• Small exercise equipment like weights, yoga mats, or stationary bikes

In summary, 10 foot shipping container storage units are extremely versatile and perfect for housing the contents of a small apartment or home. If you pack efficiently and make the most of your vertical space, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit! Fitting 1–2 Bedroom Homes in 10 foot shipping container

A 10 foot shipping container storage unit is ideal if you’re downsizing from a 1–2 bedroom home or apartment. This size can comfortably hold most of the contents of a small household.

These include:

1. Furniture

A 10 foot shipping container can hold several larger pieces of furniture like a couch, loveseat, queen bed frame, and a few chairs. You may need to partially disassemble some items to maximise the space, but a unit this size can house the essentials from a typical living room or bedroom set.

2. Smaller Items

In addition to furniture, a 10 foot shipping container provides room for many smaller belongings. You’ll have space for lamps, decor items, linens, small kitchen appliances, and clothing. Several medium boxes, maybe 20-30 in total, should fit with room to spare. You can also store recreational gear like bicycles, small exercise equipment, or hobby supplies.

While a 10 foot shipping container offers a good amount of space, it likely won’t hold everything from a full house or apartment. Bulkier items like pianos, large cabinets, outdoor play equipment, and extra-large appliances probably won’t fit comfortably in a unit this size. If you’re downsizing significantly, you may need additional storage space for overflow items.

To make the best use of a 10 foot shipping container storage unit, ensure to efficiently organise your belongings and focus on necessities. This compact unit size allows you to store the basics during a move or renovation. At Storage Land, we are experts in maximising space and can guide you to help you fit everything you need. Contact us now to help take the hassle out of finding your storage needs!

If you’re planning on renting a larger unit, keep reading to discover what you can fit into it.

A 20 foot shipping container storage unit is perfect for storing the contents of a large 3+ bedroom home.
You can store items like:

1. Furniture

This spacious size can easily accommodate king and queen-size beds, large dressers, couches, loveseats, chairs, tables, desks, and cabinets. You’ll have plenty of room for a full living room set, bedroom set, and dining set with a unit this size.

2. Appliances

If you’re downsizing or moving, a 20 foot shipping container unit is ideal for storing major appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, and small furniture. You can keep your appliances in the unit until you’re ready to move into your new place.

3. Bulky Items

Larger units are also great for storing bulky, awkward items that won’t fit in a smaller storage space. Items like treadmills, pianos, patio furniture sets, kids’ play equipment, and grills can all be stored in a 20 foot shipping container.

Overall, a 20 foot shipping container storage unit provides versatile space for a variety of large household goods and an entire houseful of belongings. Reach out to us to help you find the perfect-sized unit for your needs! We’re always here to provide friendly advice and tips to make the moving and storage process easier.

What Size Storage Unit Is Best for Me?

The ideal storage unit size depends on your home’s size. For example, you’ll need roughly 6m2 for a one-bedroom, plus 3-5m2 for each additional bedroom. For a two-bedroom, consider 7.5m2, and for a three-bedroom, focus on renting between 7.5-15m2, depending on how many items you plan on storing.

How Do I Calculate How Much Storage Space I Need?

Calculate your storage space by measuring the length, width, and height of your items to find their total volume. This helps determine the unit size you’ll need to accommodate all your belongings comfortably.

What Is a Good Size for Storage?

A good storage size depends on your living space: estimate 6m2 for a one-bedroom house, then add 3-5m2 for each additional bedroom. Working based on this estimate, an 7.5m2 unit would be appropriate for a two-bedroom home.

What Fits in a 10 Foot Shipping Container Storage Unit?

In a 10 foot shipping container storage unit, you can fit approximately two room’s worth of furniture, including a mattress, chairs, small to medium boxes, and sports equipment. Built solely for boxes, a storage unit of this size can hold up to 40 of various sizes.

You now know what it takes to choose the right storage unit size for your belongings! By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can accurately estimate how much space you need.

The first step towards determining the ideal storage unit size is to think through what items you plan to store and their dimensions. We recommend measuring larger pieces to calculate the total cubic footage needed.

If you’re unsure about the perfect storage size for your items, you can speak to our storage facility staff for guidance.